The Federal Government has earmarked ₦2.47 trillion in the 2026 budget for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 124 roads considered critical to Nigeria’s economy.
The projects are spread across northern and southern Nigeria, targeting transport corridors that support agriculture, trade and the movement of goods.
Among the priority projects is the 105‑kilometre road linking Borno and Kano states, with ₦13.3 billion allocated for dualisation.
The project is expected to improve the transportation of produce from Borno, Yobe, Jigawa and Bauchi to Kano, the commercial hub of the North‑West.
Another major project is the Lokoja‑Abuja Road, a gateway between the North and South, with ₦12.6 billion set aside for construction and rehabilitation.
The Enugu‑Port Harcourt Road, linking the South‑East to the South‑South, will cost ₦19.6 billion for sections III and IV.
Key Regional Projects
The Gbagi‑Apa‑Owode Road in Badagry will connect communities to the Owode/Seme border with Benin Republic at a cost of ₦4.2 billion.
Access roads linking the Second Niger Bridge to Onitsha and Asaba will receive ₦1.4 billion.
The Kano–Katsina Road, a gateway to Niger Republic, will be dualised for ₦23.6 billion.
“The road links Kano’s markets with Katsina and Niger Republic, supporting domestic and cross‑border trade,” said emerging markets analyst Ike Ibeabuchi.
Other projects include ₦7.7 billion for the Aba‑Owerri‑Ikot Ekpene Road, ₦1.4 billion for Ikorodu‑Shagamu Road, and ₦1.4 billion for Iganmu Bridge in Lagos.
Rural feeder roads in Ikirun, Kwara State, will cost ₦1.75 billion.
The government also allocated ₦3.5 billion for Ekiti Cargo Airport upgrades, ₦7 billion for Abeokuta‑Ibooro Road, and ₦4.2 billion for Ibi Bridge in Taraba State.
Infrastructure Gap And Concerns
Economists warn Nigeria’s infrastructure stock remains at 30–35% of GDP, far below the World Bank’s 70% benchmark for middle‑income economies.
Former Finance Minister Olawale Edun disclosed Nigeria faces a $14 billion annual infrastructure investment gap.
The Alvin Report projects the deficit could balloon to $20–25 billion by 2035 if underinvestment continues.
Consultant economist Chukwunonso Iheoma expressed concern that funds may not be fully released.
“It is not just about how much is budgeted; it is how much is released. We have been struggling with implementation since this administration came to power,” he said.
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